Ellen Melis Appointed Associate Vice-President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer
We are pleased to announce Ellen Melis’ appointment as Associate Vice-President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer. In this role, Melis will lead the development of an integrated human resources strategy that supports our mission and values. She will oversee key areas such as workforce planning, labour and employee relations, talent development, organizational renewal and digital transformation, all with a focus on fostering well-being and equity across the institution. Her leadership will be critical in guiding our people strategy through this period of change while ensuring that Carleton remains a caring, inclusive and high-performing community.
Melis brings more than 20 years of senior human resources leadership experience in complex, unionized environments, with a proven track record of driving cultural transformation and aligning human resources systems with organizational priorities. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of HR Strategy, Leadership, Learning & Inclusion for The Salvation Army, where she led enterprise-wide human resources modernization for 10,000 employees and 90,000 volunteers, including the implementation of Workday and the organization’s first centralized Learning Management System.
Her accomplishments include developing and executing integrated human resources strategies, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion frameworks and building governance models that strengthen organizational resilience. Melis has also served as a trusted advisor to boards and senior leadership teams, guiding labour relations strategies and fostering collaborative, values-driven cultures.
“Ellen’s depth of experience and commitment to inclusive, people-centered leadership will be instrumental as Carleton navigates current challenges and works to strengthen its foundation for the future,” said Duane McNair, Vice-President (People, Finance and Operations). “Her strategic vision and operational expertise will help us advance our institutional priorities and support the success of our faculty, staff and students.”
Ellen holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change, and a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) designation. She is also a certified executive coach and facilitator with extensive experience in leadership development and organizational transformation.
“I am inspired by Carleton’s mission to be a smart, caring and inclusive community,” said Melis. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the university to foster a culture of wellness, equity and innovation that empowers people and strengthens institutional capacity.”
Carleton would like to extend its gratitude to the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire. Melis will begin her role starting on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
Congratulations and welcome to Carleton, Ellen!